TULSA, Okla. -- Maria Ruiz highlighted Northeastern State's individual efforts, tying for 17th after one round of the NSU Women's Golf Classic at Page Belcher Golf Course Monday.

The RiverHawks fielded just four players in the absence of Jessica Parker and shot a 317 as a team in the opening round of the event. They sit one stroke ahead of 11th-place Southern Nazarene (318) and three back of ninth-place UT Dallas (314). Harding, Arkansas-Fort Smith and Rogers State are tied for the lead (299), while Southwestern Oklahoma State (302) and Oklahoma Baptist (303) round out the top five.

"Our girls had to ironman with only four scores," head golf coach Scott Varner said of the team's efforts through adversity today. "We are just trying to minimize damage and survive until we can get [Parker] in the lineup."

Ruiz had a strong opening day, shooting a 75. The freshman netted a pair of birdies and 11 pars in the process. Additionally, Talya Samir finished just three strokes back of Ruiz with a 78. 

"[I'm] proud of Maria," Varner said, adding that "Talya has given us three decent scores this year as a freshman, as well. She has a huge upside going forward." 

Laci Fravert logged an 81 on the course, while Laia Llorens landed an 83 and recorded a pair of birdies, respectively.

The event continues Tuesday with the second and final round.